Are pregnant women at high risk for cholestasis?

During the entire pregnancy, the physical condition of the pregnant woman is directly related to the healthy growth of the baby. Once the pregnant woman has cholestasis, the adverse effects on the fetus are huge, and suffocation or miscarriage may occur. Even if the baby survives, it will cause great pressure on the baby's liver. Therefore, it is necessary to actively receive treatment, otherwise the consequences will be serious.

1. What causes cholestasis of pregnancy?

Progesterone affects the function of the gallbladder, which can cause the flow of bile in the gallbladder to slow down or stop. Bile in the gallbladder is produced in the liver and is necessary for the digestion of fats. When the flow of bile stops or slows down, this leads to the formation of bile acids in the liver, which can overflow into the bloodstream.

Symptoms of cholestasis of pregnancy

(1) Itching, especially on the hands and feet (often this is the only symptom noticed);

(2) The color of urine becomes darker;

(3) The color of excrement becomes lighter;

(4) Fatigue or exhaustion;

(5) Loss of appetite;

(6) Lack of spirit.

Less common symptoms include:

(1) Jaundice occurs (the skin, eyes and mucous membranes will turn yellow);

(2) Pain in the upper right part of the body;

(3) Nausea.

Which women are at risk for cholestasis of pregnancy?

Cholestasis affects 1 to 2 out of 1,000 pregnancies. If a pregnant woman is carrying twins or more, has a history of liver damage, or has a mother or sister with a history of cholestasis, she is more likely to develop gestational cholestasis if she meets one or more of these conditions.

4. If the mother suffers from cholestasis, how will the baby be affected?

Cholestasis may increase the risk of fetal distress, premature birth, or stillbirth. A growing baby relies on the mother's liver to remove bile acids from the blood, so elevated levels of bile in the mother's body will put stress on the baby's liver. Women with cholestasis should be monitored closely, and induction of labor should be considered once the baby's lungs are mature.